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Of course, everyone knows the most celebrated city in the world, New York City, and it's certainly a premier travel destination - but New York State is so much more than just one famous metropolis. Go beyond the concrete canyons of Manhattan and you'll find a large state with a variety of attractions. From the gorgeous Niagara Falls to the farms and wineries of the Finger Lakes; from the untamed wilderness of the Adirondacks to the large and small cities scattered throughout the state; every corner of New York has something you can't find anywhere else.
The mountainous area of the Catskills and the Adirondacks is perfect for hiking and camping, while the numerous waterways of the state—including Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Erie Canal, and the Hudson River—all see regular boat traffic throughout the summer months. There is also tons of hunting and fishing is also big business upstate.
Oenophiles can visit the Finger Lakes, one of the top wine regions in the country; the entire region is filled with small historic towns and villages with almost 100 wineries in between. The region produces perhaps the best Rieslings outside of Germany, and Finger Lakes ice wines are growing in popularity. New Yorkers love all kinds of sports. Of course, American football, baseball, and basketball attract most of the attention, as they do throughout the U.S., but soccer, ice hockey, and lacrosse are increasingly popular so when you're in town be sure to catch a game or two!
New York's diversity is on full display when considering its food. New York City, of course, as the point of arrival for so many immigrants, is home to some of the most authentic and diverse ethnic cuisines in the country. Even upstate, though, in cities not known for their diversity, you can find plenty of variety. No matter what your flavor of choice you are sure to be satisfied when it comes to travel in New York!
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Top Things to See and Do in New York
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
New York has a very large and thriving gay scene that can be seen throughout the state. It can go without saying that New York City has a colorful gay community and nightlife that is scattered all over the city. However, other cities in New York have thriving and charming communities. Binghamton has summer events that feature art, wine mixers, shopping, and live entertainment. No matter where you end up visiting, there will be something for you to do and explore.
Anytime is a good time to visit New York State! If you are looking to spend time in the city, April to June and September to November are great times to visit. The weather will be milder and the crowds will be at a minimum. However, if you plan on venturing out to the wilderness, summer can be a great time to go camping and see the great outdoors. Plan your visit accordingly and pack for the elements.
There are a plethora of activities and events you can do while visiting New York. What to do depends on what you want to do! You can spend your time in the big city and take in the New York City skyline. You can venture off to smaller towns and try something more quaint like Binghamton. You can also go north and go camping in its many camping spots. Or maybe even a mix of a few! There is no shortage of things to do in New York State.
New York is known for having some of the best restaurants in the country. You can go to the big city and try some of the most well-known and established restaurants. You can also find some of the most trendy and Instagrammable restaurants. Also, you can try many small mom-and-pop restaurants that serve traditional regional food. You can spend your entire trip eating around New York. Whatever type of food you're craving, New York has something for you.
New York has a large and extravagant gay nightlife scene. There are a lot of options to choose from all over the state. The city is the epicenter of the gay nightlife scene, as there are clubs, lounges throughout the city. However, even out of the city, smaller towns like Binghamton have a small nightlife scene that is growing in popularity. Also, through the summer there are a lot of pop-up events that happen all through the state, so it's best to do some research before you go to any city and see if there is something happening when you go.
New York is generally considered a safe place to visit. In the city, there may be some petty theft such as pickpocketing so it's always smart to be on the lockout and vigilant. While visiting, it's always smart to practice common sense travel tips. Use the hotel safe to lock up any valuables you may have. Carry a map while exploring, and always pack accordingly for your trip. For the city, bring comfortable shoes and check the weather. It can get chilly at night. If exploring upstate New York, make sure you pack your supplies and bring a camera. The scenery is beautiful.
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